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Cozy Wellness Habits to Kick Off Fall

ByFiona Hours

Does anyone else feel like September is the real start of a new year? Maybe it’s leftover from school days, but there’s just something about this month that feels like a fresh start for routines and habits. With the cooler weather, cozy vibes, and changing leaves, it feels like the perfect time to add a little extra wellness into the mix. Today I thought I’d share some cozy wellness habits that are helping me ease into fall – hopefully they’ll give you some inspiration too!

An orange glass candle is lit and sitting on a brown notebook. There are pumpkins, a brown handbag, and another book in the background. A text overlay reads "cozy wellness habits to kick off fall: nourishing practices for body and mind this autumn".

Cozy morning rituals

One thing I’ve started doing lately is avoiding my phone first thing in the morning. Of course, I use it to turn off my alarm, but then it goes right back on the nightstand. Instead, I open my curtains and blinds. Thankfully, it’s still light out when I wake up, and there’s just something about letting the morning light in that feels so refreshing. Seeing the sunshine, the grass, and the leaves starting to turn is a much better start than immediately scrolling social media.

A backyard with a few pink flowers left and lots of yellow leaves on the ground that have fallen off the trees. In the background are trees, whose leaves are yellow and dark red.

Now that I’m in my 40’s, I fully appreciate when my body feels good instead of sore or achy. Stretching has been a game-changer for me. It doesn’t take long – five minutes at most – but it makes such a difference in how I feel all day. My hips tend to get tight, so I focus there, but if you spend most of your day at a desk, you might want to give extra love to your shoulders or back.

And while I’ve never been a coffee girl (too bitter for me), I have fallen in love with tea. Herbal teas are my go-to since they’re low or caffeine-free. I love that I can sip something warm and cozy without feeling jittery afterward. If you’re a coffee drinker, maybe try swapping just one cup for a calming herbal tea. It’s a simple little change that can really set the tone for your day.

Seasonal movement

One of the best ways to enjoy fall is simply getting outside. I feel lucky to live so close to the mountains and so many beautiful parks. It makes it easy to soak in all the seasonal changes. There’s something magical about walking when the air is crisp enough for a sweater, the leaves are shades of red and gold, and everything feels just a little bit slower.

One of my cozy wellness habits is going for a walk, and this photo is of a walking path down the middle with green grass on either side. On the right side are trees with yellow leaves and one tree with no leaves left at all.

Just the other night, I surprised myself by going for an evening walk instead of my usual morning one. I realized walks don’t have to be reserved for mornings. I threw on a coat, popped in my earbuds with a podcast, and did a quick 30 minute walk around my neighborhood. It wasn’t fancy, but it was exactly what I needed. I even made it home just as the streetlights came on – it felt like the perfect fall moment.

Fall flavored self care

One of the things that I love about fall is that it feels like the perfect season to be extra cozy. Give me all the throw blankets, candles, and good books. Blending that coziness with self care is one of my favorite things about this season.

Reading is a big part of that for me. Ever since I got my Kindle, I’ve been reading more, but I also love picking up books from my shelves that I’ve been meaning to start forever. Right now I’m reading Night Angels on my Kindle and London in paperback. There’s nothing like curling up with a book and losing track of time while the wind blows outside.

Fall foods and drinks

Tea is my fall love language. When the seasons change, I like trying new flavors. Lately I’ve been enjoying Forever Nuts (apple and nutty goodness) and Caramel Shortbread (it tastes exactly like it sounds). And of course, apple cider is a classic. While nothing beats getting it fresh in a jug, even the instant powdered kind feels like very autumnal when you’re in a pinch.

Soup also makes a big comeback in my kitchen once the temperatures dip. For years I wasn’t a fan (thank you, questionable university cafeteria soups), but now I can’t get enough of it. A fall favorite is classic chicken noodle. I love this easy recipe from Budget Bytes. It comes together quickly if you use store bought chicken stock and rotisserie chicken, and it still tastes cozy and homemade. Pair it with a slice of crusty sourdough or a soft bun, and you’ve got the ultimate fall meal.

More cozy wellness habits inspiration

If you love adding a little comfort and wellness into your routine, you might also enjoy these recipe posts:

Final Thoughts

Fall is the perfect season for a fresh start and a little extra coziness. Whether it’s swapping your morning scroll for sunlight, adding a quick stretch to your day, or sipping a warm drink while reading a good book, the small things can make the biggest difference.

I’d love to know, which cozy wellness habits are you bringing into your fall routine?

My name is Fiona and I'm a CSEP certified personal trainer, yogi, soccer player, and foodie (baking is my thing) living in Calgary. Thanks for visiting Get Fit Fiona. I hope you enjoy the sneak peek into my life and the workouts and recipes that I share.